Chapter 52

After lunch everyone settled in the hall talking and laughing and Khushi giving medicines to Dadi said: "Dadiji, you should be resting now... you talk to everyone after taking a nap."

Anjali: "Khushiji is right Dadi. You should rest."

Akash: "The room next to Bhai's is ready for you Dadiji. You rest there."

Mamaji: "But Akash Bitwa... how will Maasiji go upstairs...? I mean... she..."

Arnav: "Mamaji, don't worry. I will take Dadi upstairs..."

Saying he was about to pick up Dadi but NK said: "Maasaji is right Nannav, Dadiji should stay in the ground floor till her legs become normal... I know you want her to stay near you but think how inconvenient it will be for her... for everything she will have to come down and go up... think what will happen when you won't be at home...?"

Akash: "Bhai, I think NK Bhai is correct this time... it will be easier for Dadiji if she stays in ground floor."

Nani: "I think Sumi should stay next to my room..."

Arnav: "But Nani, what if she needs anything... we all will be upstairs with only you and Muskaan down..."

Muskaan: "Arnav Mama, don't worry I will be there with Dadi Nani... I will give her whatever she needs."

Anjali: "Dadi Nani?"

Muskaan: "Yes Maa, she is your Dadi and my Badi Nani, so I will call her Dadi Nani as I already have a badi nani."

Everyone smiled and Arnav said: "Thanks Muskaan, but you stay with Nani... about Dadi..."

Khushi who all the while was thinking something said: "Arnavji, wait. I know what is to be done." Saying she took Anjali towards a corner.

Anjali: "What happened Khushiji..?"

Khushi: "Di, remember last time we visited your gynaecologist, she asked you to stay away from physical relationship and also not to climb the stairs frequently..."

Anjali: "Yes, I know... but why are you reminding me about it now?"

Khushi: "I was thinking if you could stay in Dadiji's room at ground floor... then Arnavji too will feel relaxed knowing that you are with Dadiji."

Anjali: "That is a great idea... but I just hope Shyamji doesn't feel bad."

Khushi jumping on it, as it is really a good opportunity to keep Anjali away from Shyam said: "Don't worry Di, Jijaji won't feel bad... after all he wants you and the unborn baby to be safe."

Walking back to the group Anjali said: "Chote, you don't worry about Dadi. I will be staying with her in her room."

Everyone was shocked but happy too. Anjali staying away from Shyam is what they all had wanted.

Arnav: "Are you sure Di..?"

Anjali: "Yes Chote. Doctor has asked me not to climb the stairs frequently and... so, I think I should stay with Dadi."

Shyam who was sitting as if in shock knowing that if Anjali stays away from him then he can't emotionally blackmail her for money finally said: "But Rani Saheba... how can you stay..."

Akash not giving Shyam chance to speak: "Di, you are right. You should stay downstairs... it will be good for you and your unborn child... Jijaji won't complain because all he wants is his family to be safe... Right Jijaji..?"

Shyam grudgingly had to nod because he has nothing to say now.

In the next couple of hours all the belongings of Anjali was moved from her room to downstairs with Mami actively participating in it.

Arnav and Khushi were sitting on the recliner with her head on Arnav's shoulder when she said: "I am so happy Arnavji... Dadi is home... it feels so nice..."

Arnav kissing her forehead: "Yes, it does really feel nice... Dadi is back home and it has been possible only for you."

Khushi: "Arnavji, today..." a knock on the door disturbed their conversation and Khushi walked to open the door. Akash and NK came in.

Akash: "Bhai, Mona left today... and she has done what she was assigned to do."

Arnav: "Ya, she did call me... have you got the recording..?"

Akash: "Yes, I have checked it too. It is a perfect proof against Shyam."

Khushi: "What are you two talking about..? Who is Mona..?"

Arnav: "She is the nurse who was looking after Shyam..."

Khushi: "WHAT..!!"

Arnav: "Yes. She is a model and an aspiring actress... I had promised her to help her in film industry if she does this work for me... before becoming a model she had taken some first-aid training and that is why I had assigned her to be nurse for Shyam... she was acting all along with Shyam only to make him confess his crimes... he like a fool got entangled in the web and blurted out all his deeds to Mona thinking that she truly loves him... anyways now we have the recording... that will be enough to punish Shyam."

NK: "That was a great idea Nannav... now we just have to wait for Di's baby and then will bring the truth of Shyam before her... and will throw him into jail."

Akash: "Yes, now it is good that Di will be staying with Dadiji... away from him... he won't be able to harm Di now."

NK: "That's right... but I am wondering why he is not leaving to Kanpur now... I mean he has recovered... can walk freely... then...?"

Arnav: "He will NK... today Mona left and he too will be leaving soon... and this time will hopefully be gone for a long duration."

Akash: "Hope so."

Arnav: "Akash, you keep the recording tape safe and make a number of copies... don't keep any copy at home... keep them in our different offices and give a copy to Aman."

Akash nodded and along with NK left the room.

Khushi happily hugged Arnav and said: "I am so happy Arnavji... we have now got proofs against Shyamji... first the detectives report and now his own confession."

Arnav: "Yes... hope he is out of our life soon... and then..." he stopped from saying further because Nani and Anjali came into the room. "Di, Nani what happened...? Why do you look so worried..? Is Dadi okay..?" he asked panicked.

Nani: "Chote, Sumi is sleeping. We want to talk to you... it is important."

Arnav: "Any problem Nani..?"

Anjali came forward and hugged Arnav. "Chote, I am very happy that Dadi is home but I am very much worried... you said Dadi was saying someone wants to... ki...ll.. you... who would it be..?"

Nani: "Haan Chote... I am scared now... who would that person be..? What if he still is..."

Arnav: "I am safe Nani. Nothing has happened to me and nothing will happen... I will find out who that person is soon..."

Anjali: "But Chote... what if he tries to harm you again..?"

Arnav holding Anjali's hand: "Di, they won't harm me... and for now don't discuss it before Dadi... she has just recovered... I don't want her health to be affected in any way... okay..?" Anjali nodded understandingly and kissing his forehead left along with Nani and Arnav turned back to see Khushi lost in some thoughts, he walked to her and shook her. "What are you thinking so deeply Khushi..?"

Khushi hugged him tight and said: "I am scared Arnavji... Very scared..."

Arnav wrapped his arms around her and asked: "Why..? What has happened..?"

Khushi: "Arnavji... What if those people about whom Dadiji was talking about are still out there trying to harm you...? What if something happened to you..?"

Arnav: "Nothing will happen to me until you are there with me... and those people won't harm me... if they had to harm me then they would have done that before..."

Khushi: "But Arnavji..."

Arnav: "Sshh... don't talk... do you know the entire week you were there right before me but I couldn't even see you properly... I should utilise this time that I have got with you in right way..." Saying he picked up Khusi and went to the bed.

Khushi protested knowing his intentions very well. "Arnavji... no... this is not the time... I need to check on Dadiji... I..." but her words died sown when his lips came over her and all other thoughts left her mind.

True to Arnav's prediction the next morning Shyam informed the family that he has to go for his work as he has skipped it for over a month and he needs to leave soon and by afternoon he had left Delhi. On the other hand, Payal was getting depressed day by day... the ignorance by her own husband was getting unbearable. She had tried all her charms to impress Akash but he had stayed aloof from everything... she had somewhat realised her mistakes but the jealously for Khushi had grown... everyone in the family showing more attention to Khushi was not going well with her and above that her own parents are all praises for Khushi and Arnav reason being Arnav had bought them their shop back and Khushi had sacrificed her life for Payal's well being... which she knew is just a show-off... Khushi had agreed to marry Arnav only because she wanted to marry him as he is rich... she didn't know what else to do and also she didn't want to put any of Buaji's suggestion to use because they have always back-fired and now most importantly don't know what has happened to her own health... she is feeling dizzy every now and then and not to forget this tiredness... she needs to see a doctor soon.

The next day during dinner Arnav said to Khushi: "Khushi, tomorrow morning get ready early... we all have to go out."

Khushi: "Out... where...?"

Arnav: "That is a surprise for you... we all will be going there."

Khushi: "But I need to know..."

Akash: "Bhabi... that is a surprise for you... if we will tell you today, then how come it will be a surprise..?"

Anjali: "Yes, Khushiji. Let it remain a surprise and I am sure you will love it..."

Khushi: "Di, you too know about it... I also want to know... please tell me too."

Mamaji: "Bitiya, have patience... and wait till tomorrow..."

Khushi: "Mamaji you too know it... then tell me please..."

Mami: "Hello Hi bye bye... tell you and say bye bye to our surprise... that is not happening... you have to control and wait."

Khushi not getting any answer from anyone and not able to hold her curiosity she began to munch her nails. Arnav kept a plate before her and said: "Khushi, if you are hungry then eat this... why are you eating your nail..?"

Khushi made a face at him and saw NK coming towards them and said to Arnav: "Nannav mere Bhai... everything is done... tomorrow morning we all will be going for Khushi Bhabi's surprise."

Khushi: "Nanheji... aapko bhi pata hai... please tell me... this suspense is killing me..."

Arnav: "Khushi, you always tell me to have patience and here look at you... no patience... have patience... practise what you preach."

Khushi made a face at him but stayed silent not knowing what to say but this curiosity was irritating. The whole night she tried different ways to get some information from Arnav but had no luck.

Next day everyone had left home even before Khushi had come down. She searched the whole house but there was no one except her and Arnav. She stood infront of Arnav with hands on her hips and asked: "What is happening Arnavji..? Where is everyone...? Even Dadiji is not here..."

Arnav instead of answering blind folded her eyes and kissing her cheeks said: "Your surprise is waiting... let's go... they all would have reached by now..."

Khushi trying to open the blindfold: "Where are we going..?"

Arnav now tied her hands: "You are so stubborn... I thought of not tying your hands but you leave me with no option... and stop talking or else I will tie your mouth too."

Khushi opened her mouth wide heard Arnav saying "Close your mouth or flies will enter into it." The next thing she knew was she was picked up by her husband. "Are you kidnapping me Arnavji...? But there will be no benefit... you yourself will have to pay the ransom... so why are you..."

Arnav: "Sshh... you talk a lot Khushi... keep quiet for now." He said while making her sit on the passenger seat of the car but then he noticed something wet on Khushi's face... she was crying... not waiting for a minute he opened the blindfold and untied her hands and hugged her. "...What happened Khushi...? Why are you crying...?"

Khushi: "Where are you taking me...? Are you going to leave me somewhere far away...?"

Arnav: "WHAT!!"

Khushi: "Yes.., I had seen in a film where the husband very lovingly takes his wife somewhere saying that he has a surprise but then kills her..."

Arnav sighed, can't do anything when Khushi is in her filmy sanki mode. "Khushi... do you think... that I will do that to you...?"

Khushi: "No you won't... but why are you tying my hands and eyes...? You know I am scared of darkness..."

Arnav: "I am sorry... but I want to surprise you... and that is why I blindfolded you... and about tying your hands... if I don't do that then you will open your eyes and my surprise will be ruined..."

Khushi: "Why are you not telling me what is the surprise...? I want to know..."

Arnav cupping Khushi's face: "Had I only planned the surprise then I would have told you the moment I saw tears in your eyes... but Di, Nani, Mamaji, Mami, NK, Akash, Aman... they all have worked for it... if I tell you then they all will feel bad... so how can I tell you... it will be bad... won't it be..?" Khushi nodded. "Now, let's start... they all would have reached there by now."

Khushi: "Where Arnavji..?"

Arnav: "Some place which you have always liked... but for that I need to blindfold you... that is what Di wants..."

Khushi: "Okay... but don't tie my hands... I promise I won't open my eyes... I will only hold your hand... you know I am scared of darkness..."

Arnav smiled and kissing her lightly on her lips nodded and delicately blindfolded her again.

Parking his car before Nirmala's home, Arnav called Akash on his cell to confirm that everything is ready and then walking up to Khushi picked her up in his arms.

Khushi: "Where are we Arnavji..?"

Arnav: "We have reached... and trust me you will love it..."

Khushi: "Shall I open this..."

Arnav: "No, Let's go inside first..."

He carried Khushi inside the gate and made her stand at the entrance of the house and then slowly removed the blindfold. Khushi rubbed her eyes and then blinking couple of times opened her eyes but was left dumbstruck... all the members of the destitute home of Nirmala Aunty's were standing along with all the Raizadas... everyone smiling... this place looked familiar but...

Anjali walked to her and in a loving way asked: "Liked the surprise Khushiji..?" Khushi had momentarily lost her speaking ability. "This is your second home... your Nirmala Auntyji's home... Chote has renovated the entire building as it was in dire need of maintenance... and the ladies here are now trained and are taking stitching and embroidery orders from AR... They all are happy now..."

Khushi with emotions chocking her voice: "Di... ye...sab... aap... kab..."

Anjali: "Chote did everything... few days after your marriage, he brought me here and he wanted me to look after the maintenance and the training work... you always asked me where I have been going all these days... I have been coming here along with NK Bhai... he took the entire responsibility of the construction work... Akash, Mamaji, Mami, Nani... everyone loved this place..."

Khushi hugged Anjali. "Thanks Di... you did so much..."

Anjali caressing her back: "I should be thanking you Khushiji... it was only for you that I got my daughter... my Muskaan... I got her from here."

Khushi: "You met Muskaan here...?"

Anjali: "Yes... and you don't know how grateful I am to you."

Arnav: "Khushi, Di, let's go in..."

Nirmala Aunty hugged Khushi and then everyone followed. The kids there were too happy to see their Khushi Didi back and complained that she never came to meet them when Jijaji came.

Mami sat down with the ladies and gave them beauty tips and Payal though not happy but still sat beside her mother-in-law. Mamaji and Akash were in the office discussing the official matters with Nirmala. And as usual NK was with the older group. Anjali along with Nani and Dadi sat with the children listening and narrating stories to them.

Arnav took Khushi to give her a look of the entire house, and when they were bit away from everyone, Khushi hugged Arnav tight and sobbed.

Arnav: "What happened Khushi..? Is there something wrong here..?" he asked worried.

Khushi: "I don't know how to thank you Arnavji... you did so much for me..."

Arnav: "Wait..!! What did I do for you...? I didn't do anything... and if you are talking about this house, then let me tell you... I too love this house. That day after marriage when we came here, you were so happy... and I was happy too... and Nirmala Aunty said I am her son-in-law... so I too had some responsibilities to this house... didn't I..?"

Khushi too overwhelmed to say anything just kept on hugging him and finally said: "I loved the surprise Arnavji... and I love you too."

Downstairs in the veranda, Anjali was sitting with Dadi, Nani and the all the children of the house to whom Muskaan had proudly stated that her little sister is inside her Maa's stomach and will be coming out soon. And all of them being kids were awed at the fact and kept touching Anjali's stomach to confirm that really a baby is inside it.

"Aunty, how do you know that there is a girl inside it..?" a child among them asked.

Anjali pretended to think for a minute and said: "Umm... because it is a girl... I think it is a girl..."

"But why can't there be a boy...?" asked a small boy.

"I... don't... know... there might be..." Anjali stammered not having answers to the kids.

"There is no boy. It is my sister... a beautiful baby girl...my Khushi Mami told." stated Muskaan proudly.

"I don't like girls... they always play with dolls... if it is a boy then he will play cricket with us." said the boy upset.

Anjali saw Arnav and Khushi walking down the stairs and an idea struck her. She took the boy in her arms and kissing him said: "You want a baby boy..?" The child nodded cutely. "Then go to your Khushi Didi and Jijaji ask them to give you a baby boy... they can give you..."

"Really...?" the child asked and getting a nod from her ran off to Khushi.

After the boy left, the other kids too ran off to NK who called them for something and Anjali leaning against Dadi said: "Dadi, Nani, get ready to welcome your Chote's chote soon... Khushiji can never say no to the children here." and laughed along with them.

Khushi felt someone tuck on her hands and looked down to see a child holding her hands. She bent down and kissing his cheeks said: "What happened dear..? Do you need anything..?"

"Yes... a baby boy... Anjali Aunty said that you and Jijaji will give me a baby boy and he will play cricket with me." replied the boy in his childish voice.

Khusi was flushed and Arnav didn't know how to react. Khushi kneeled down to reach his height and said: "You are having others who are playing cricket with you..? Why do you need a new baby boy..?"

"Muskaan Didi said, she is getting a baby sister, so, I too need a baby brother." He replied as a matter of fact.

Arnav smiled at him and picking him up in his arms said: "You will get a baby boy. Don't worry."

And immediately was bombarded with another question: "When?"

Arnav with a smile: "Soon." The boy squealed happily in his arms and jumped down and ran away happily. "Khushi... I think we should consider the little boy's wish."

Khushi blushed but said: "I don't want a baby Arnavji."

And this shocked Arnav. She loves kids and that is what he has always known... and the way she loves Muskaan and even the kids here proves it but she not wanting a baby of her own is shocking and before he could respond to it she said: "Don't take me wrong Arnavji... but I don't want a baby now... I want my baby to be born as what he is... and we know he is a Mallick... I want him to born as a Mallick and not as a Raizada..."

Arnav: "Khushi... we..."

Khushi: "We have to find the truth about Papaji and Mama's death soon Arnavji..."

Arnav hugged Khushi. "Our baby will be born as a Mallick Khushi... and we will find out the truth soon... trust me... everything will be fine."

Khushi: "I trust you... aap sab thik kar denge."

That night though Khushi slept off peacefully in her husband's arms but he couldn't. He had never thought that the Mallick surname means so much to her. He dropped a kiss on her hair and whispered: "I will clear Papa's name soon Khushi... and will change my name back to Arnav Mallick... it will happen soon..." He sighed remembering about his parents and then Dadi's condition. "Can't ask anything to Dadi now... but once the detectives give me the report, I will take action... but for now need to take care of Shyam... need to take a risk... Di's first trimester is gone and when this time he returns he will leave from here permanently... to jail... Di will be fine... she is strong... she has to be fine." He decided. He can't let that Shyam stay in this house anymore... he has seen the way he gives filthy looks to Khushi making his blood boil. He will not let that slime anywhere near his Khushi and this time he will act.